Tracing the Roots of Moderate Religiosity in Classical Islamic Theology: A Study of the Murji'ah Sect

Abstract

The concepts and practices of moderate Islam are not a manifestation of new Islamic teachings, but can be traced back to the characteristics of Islamic religious movements in the past. The purpose of this study is to describe the theology of the Murji’ah school of thought and its relevance to the formation of a moderate Islamic character. This qualitative study, conducted as a literature review, employs descriptive analysis and content analysis. The research findings indicate that the Murji’ah holds Islamic theological principles that form the basis of a tolerant religious character toward the diversity of Islamic beliefs and attitudes outside their community, such as the principle of Irja’ (postponement), which defers the judgment of one’s faith status due to major sins to God (Allah) as His exclusive prerogative, thereby avoiding the practice of arbitrary Takfir (declaration of unbelief). Furthermore, the Murji’ah’s principle of neutrality in political and theological conflicts can be viewed as a foundation for integrative values within the plurality of social life. This study’s contribution underscores that the roots of moderate Islamic religious practices can be found within the diversity of classical Islamic theological schools that are inclusive and tolerant.